Carol Channing whips out her Amex to purchase some diamonds, 1977
“The American Express card. Don’t leave home without it.”
Here’s a quick, 10-second Daily 70s Spot. Broadway star, smilin’ Carol Channing for the American Express card. You never knew who you’d find popping up in the latest American Express card ad. This particular commercial aired in December of 1977.
Previously, on Daily 70s Spot: Bob Hope for Texaco ‘Stockholders’ (1978)
“You meshuga ant! Your gonif schtick is making me kvetch, etc. etc!”
Happy Funshine Friday, Bionic dance team! Here’s a complete cartoon featuring The Ant and the Aardvark entitled “Don’t Hustle An Ant With Muscle.”
The Ant and the Aardvark was produced by Depatie-Freleng and this particular short first ran in theaters in December of 1970. Voices are by comedian John Byner – imitating Jackie Mason for the Aardvark and Dean Martin for the Ant. You may also remember the blue Aardvark from his TV pairings with the Pink Panther throughout the 70s. Slurp it up.
The Ant and the Aardvark Wiki, IMDb
Previously, on Funshine Friday: Far Out Space Nuts
Bob Hope in his younger years (aged 75 in 1978)
“Hey, I gotta tell ya…” In our Daily 70s Spot we have Bob Hope presenting a cross-section of stockholders for Texaco Oil. Did you know that among investors, “almost half are retired”? Apparently, if we judge by this TV spot, 100% are also white. The times…they still needed a-changin’. Commercial aired March, 1978.
Previously, on Daily 70s Spot: Pepto-Bismol commercial (1972)
‘The Rookies,’ TV title, 1972
The Rookies first hit TV screens as an ABC Movie of the Week in the spring of 1972. By September, the series proper had launched and ran until March of 1976.
Kate Jackson as Jill Danko
The Rookies focused on a group of young southern California police recruits played by Georg Stanford Brown (Terry Webster), Sam Melville (Mike Danko) and Michael Ontkean (Willie Gillis). Kate Jackson, of Charlie’s Angels fame, played Mike’s wife, Jill. Gerald S. O’Loughlin appeared as older vet and mentor, Lt. Ryker. After two seasons, Ontkean left the show and was replaced by Bruce Fairbairn (Chris Owens).
In 1975, a two-part episode entitled “S.W.A.T.” was shown and it successfully launched a spin-off series for the Special Weapons and Tactics team.
Roll The Rookies season one intro below and bask in the aural glory of Elmer Bernstein’s epic, funky theme.
Previously, on Show toppers: The Fantastic Journey (1977)
Bring on the Pepto!
“Pepto-Bismol’s good to have when somebody’s a little too quiet…”
Our Daily 70s Spot on tap today features a child with an upset stomach and a caring mother with a bottle of Pepto-Bismol. This belly-coating commercial aired in August of 1972.
When I was young and it was time for the Pepto, I actually kind of enjoyed the taste. It was like a spoonful of stale candy. And stale candy was better than no candy to my tiny mind.
Andy Kaufman freaking out America, 1977
I know we experienced A Johnny Carson Moment a mere two weeks ago but this clip was too priceless to hold onto any longer. Here’s the hilarious and bizarre Andy Kaufman (d. 1984) morphing from “Foreign Man”/Latka Gravas into an amazing Elvis Presley before our very eyes. A classic Tonight Show performance that originally aired in March of 1977. Shake it, baby!
*Note to Andy: I hope your death has been a decades-long performance art piece. Maybe come back next May on the 30th anniversary of your “death,” huh? You ain’t getting any younger. Looking forward to your return!
Previously, on A Johnny Carson Moment: Howard the talking bird (12.17.1976)